Chapter 3 - Family Ghosts and Bitter Medicine
The next morning brought a new crisis: testing compatibility for Leo’s bone marrow transplant. Grace, Ryan, and the triplets were moved to a private pediatric wing, courtesy of Ryan’s rapid mobilization of his corporate wealth and top-tier medical contacts.
But money couldn't buy a genetic match. Grace’s test came back as a partial match, too risky for a definitive cure. The girls were tested next, but neither was suitable.
“That leaves you, Mr. Miller,” the hematologist said, handing Ryan a consent form. “If you are the biological father, there is a strong statistical probability of a viable match.”
“Do it,” Ryan said without hesitation.
While waiting for the results, Ryan’s mother, Eleanor, arrived at the hospital, having caught wind of the scandal through mutual acquaintances. She strode down the sterile hallway in her designer wool coat, her expression carved from pure ice.
“Ryan Christopher, have you completely lost your mind?” Eleanor hissed, cornering him near the nurses' station. “Throwing away a brilliant match with Amelia Brooks—a woman from a pedigree that actually matters—for a girl who dragged you down? And now you’re entertaining some wild fairy tale that these children belong to you?”
Grace stepped out of Leo’s room, pale and exhausted, overhearing every word.
“They are his, Eleanor,” Grace said quietly, standing tall despite her weariness. “You don’t have to worry. I’m not here for his money. I’m here because my son is dying.”
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Ryan stepped between his mother and Grace, his eyes flashing with a cold fury Eleanor had never seen in her son before. “Mother. Listen to me very carefully. Grace is the mother of my children. Those kids in there bear every single feature of the Miller family, whether you like it or not. If you ever speak to her like that again, you will never see me, or your grandchildren, for the rest of your life.”
Eleanor stared at him, utterly stunned, before turning on her heel and marching out of the hospital.
